by: Michaela Scherr
A few years ago I wanted to do something really special for my husband on Valentine?s Day.
I didn?t want anything in return, only that the evening was fun and enjoyable, and that was how it turned out.
The look on my Valentine?s face when he came home for dinner was priceless and shall remain with me forever.
I?d never seen his eyes or smile so wide!
I?d like to share this special Valentine?s Dinner with you now, it had the effect I wanted including an evening filled with laughter and great conversation.
What you?ll need:
A white table cloth
Approximately 20 silver balloons
Silver ribbon for the balloons
Selection of white candles of differing shapes and sizes (unscented)
Several sheets of red cardboard (thin enough to cut)
Blu-Tack or other safe, removal adhesive
White platter for prawns (substitute if you prefer something else)
Small white plates
Ice and lemons for prawn platter
Two servings of French Fries
Seafood sauce for dipping
Bowl for prawn shells
Finger bowl with lemon slices (to wash fingers when peeling prawns)
Red paper napkins
Forks
Small Gold Stars
Ornamental opaque glass pebbles
Small posy of flowers (in case he forgets)
Small vase
Aromatherapy oil burner
Aphrodisiac essential oils of rose, jasmine and mandarin
Cool, sensual music (soul music is great)
Setting the mood and table
Blow up all balloons, tie with silver ribbon around chairs, ceiling, anywhere in the area you?ll be dining.
Cut out as many love hearts as possible from the red cardboard and stick with blu-Tack (or other safe adhesive ? read instructions first) wherever you can and where you can easily removable it.
To set the mood place water in your aromatherapy oil burner and add some aphrodisiac essential oils; add 3 drops rose; 3 drops jasmine; and 5 drops mandarin.
Light the tea light candle approximately 30 minutes before arrival.
Put tablecloth on table.
Using panache strategically group some candles together at one end of table.
Always use caution with lit candles - never leave the room unattended when burning candles, this applies to aromatherapy oil burners.
Strategically place the remaining candles around the room.
(I loathe being a killjoy but please ensure candles are not close to any flammable objects)
Position large white platter in centre of table; shell bowl next to platter then finger bowl with lemon slices.
Place red napkins and fork on top of smaller plates and positioned where you?ll be sitting.
Bring out vase and flowers.
Place opaque glass pebbles around candle display on table and several around white prawn platter.
Sprinkle a small amount of gold stars on table for effect.
His gift:
A selection of fine chocolates
Bottle of red wine
2 red wine glasses
Red ribbon
Valentine?s Day Card
Tie the two red wine glasses stem up, with red ribbon to the top of the wine bottle and place with Valentine?s card on table.
Scatter chocolates on table
Just before he arrives:
Light candles
Check aromatherapy oil burner
Place prawns on platter as well as some ice and lemon wedges
Place seafood sauce on table
Have French fries almost ready to serve and waiting in the oven
Turn on the music and program to repeat
Take off apron
Take a few deep breaths and reeellllaaaxxxxx
If this doesn?t impress him, he may be asleep, unconscious or he?s finding a reference point of what is before him!
Here?s to an evening filled with laughter, fun, and romance!
You can visit Michaela Scherr at http://www.michaelascherr.com
About The Author
Michaela Scherr Copyright requirements are that it remains with Michaela Scherr and for the link to be clickable or ?live? at http://www.michaelascherr.com Michaela is a Transformational Coach, certified practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), writer and intuitive who is totally committed to helping others create positive and action oriented changes to their lives. Michaela is the author of several e-books and publisher of a monthly newsletter called From My Desk, and Inspirational Musings, short fortnightly emails to inspire and give food for thought.
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7-point Checklist For Choosing The Right Candle Holders
7-point Checklist For Choosing The Right Candle Holders
by: Justine van Zyl
While candle holders are obviously key elements in any candle setting, all too often they suffer a sort of benign neglect.
Sometimes they're used "just because they're there", and sometimes because choosing the right candle holder seems a rather daunting task.
If deciding what to use is your problem, then this handy checklist could help to simplify the process.
While glass and metal candle holders are the most popular, there is an absolutely huge variety available, in all sorts of materials.
As you run down the list, you will see that as you make decisions you are led naturally to the right kind of holder and the right kind of candle.
Making your own is also an option if you have the patience and skill - or perhaps just the patience!
1 The event
* Are you going to use the candle holder as an integral part of the event...
7-point Checklist For Choosing The Right Candle Holders
Candles > 7-point Checklist For Choosing The Right Candle Holders
Unwind and Relax with a Spa Gift Basket
Unwind and Relax with a Spa Gift Basket
by: Larry Flynn
When considering a specialty gift ?just for her? look no further than a lovely spa gift basket. These gift ideas come in all shapes and sizes and can be personalized to her tastes and likes. If she deserves to be pampered then consider this gift filled with her favorite bath accessories and spa products.
To create her own personal spa gift, you need to consider her favorite scents. Remember that you are intending this gift be one that calms, soothes and relaxes her in the privacy of her own world. Floral, citrus, berry, vanilla and almond scents are used as they evoke relaxation responses from her senses. The perfect spa begins with natural wax candles to create that ?oh so right? environment.
An assortment of subtly scented soaps, bath salts, shower gels and foot soaks are at the center of her spa experience. Compliment with bath sponges, a bath mitt and a gel mask; remember you...
Unwind and Relax with a Spa Gift Basket
Candles > Unwind and Relax with a Spa Gift Basket
Hair Removal by Electrolysis - Is it Right for You?
Hair Removal by Electrolysis - Is it Right for You?
by: Clive Chansa
Electrolysis is a permanent hair removal technique that works by destroying individual hair follicles so that hair can no longer grow. Here's how it works. Being careful not to puncture the skin, a slender probe is inserted into a hair follicle. Once inserted, an electrical current is passed through to the end of the probe, at which point a chemical reaction takes place. The reaction causes the salt and water molecules located in the follicle to change into lye which loosens the hair and causes permanent damage to the follicle base. The loosened hair is gently pulled out with tweezers. This process is repeated at every follicle where hair is to be removed.
While this process has the best track record for permanency, electrolysis can be painful and expensive. And because it's tedious, this method is not recommended for large areas of removal. In addition, numerous treatments...
Hair Removal by Electrolysis - Is it Right for You?
Candles > Hair Removal by Electrolysis - Is it Right for You?
Dessert Parties
Dessert Parties
by: Amanda Baker
Dinner parties are a hot trend and a great way to get together with all of your friends.
But do you and your friends have a serious sweet tooth?
Do you get more enjoyment out of the desserts than dinner?
Why not host an evening dessert party?
A dessert party can actually be hosted any time of the day, but a late evening party is typically best.
With desserts, the tiny touches really do completely the big pictures.
For instance, doilies on dessert plates when serving a fine piece of cake is a beautiful touch.
A nice espresso goes well with pastries.
If have a tasty pound cake and want to make it look beautiful when serving?
Use wine or champagne glasses and a flavor or two of ice cream to serve desserts a la mode.
Serve flavored coffees and teas with some fresh fruit.
All by itself, it can serve as a dessert.
Just don't...
Candles > Dessert Parties
How to Plan Outdoor Holiday Decorating for Your Home and Stay Within Your Budget
How to Plan Outdoor Holiday Decorating for Your Home and Stay Within Your Budget
by: Patty Gale
When I was a little girl, I remember my dad taking us for drives at night throughout our neighborhood to see the houses decorated for Christmas.
There were some that had a simple wreath on the front door and some that looked like Santa?s Workshop on the front lawn.
I was always amazed at the beautiful lights, glistening snow, and holiday music.
It wasn?t until I was an adult that I realized those beautiful displays took a lot more organizing, planning and money than I thought.
Whether you live in a cold or warm climate, you don?t have to break the bank in order to create a cozy and beautiful outdoor holiday display for your home.
Here?s how.
Create a plan.
You need to decide how much money you can comfortably spend.
Many people wind up over-spending during the holidays, use credit cards and...
Candles > How to Plan Outdoor Holiday Decorating for Your Home and Stay Within Your Budget